Maharashtra Govt to Study Power Duty on Rooftop Solar Units The Maharashtra government has announced plans to form a committee to evaluate the imposition of electricity duty on rooftop solar (RTS) and behind-the-meter (BTM) systems, which are currently exempt from such levies. The decision follows an order by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) allowing the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) to charge grid support fees on solar consumers with installations exceeding 10 kilowatts. The new committee will assess the applicability of electricity duty under the Maharashtra Electricity Duty Act, 2016, and explore shifting from fixed duty rates to a percentage-based structure. The proposed changes aim to address revenue gaps for distribution companies while balancing the financial implications for consumers. The panel will also examine grid support charges and consider exemptions to ensure the sustainability of renewable energy initiatives. Officials emphasized that the committee’s findings will focus on financial and policy impacts, including state revenue and the financial health of discoms. A report is expected within 10 days, sparking debate over the future of rooftop solar adoption in the state. Solar experts have raised concerns that the levy could undermine Maharashtra’s clean energy transition. Sudhir Budhay, a solar industry analyst, warned that imposing duty on self-generated solar power would erode savings for households and small businesses, discouraging renewable energy adoption. He likened the policy to taxing citizens for using their own water sources, arguing it would create an unfair burden.#sudhir_budhay #maharashtra_govt #misedcl #maharashtra_electricity_regulatory_commission #mserc
